Newby Developement woes

[finguanzo]

This is kind of funny, a little sad....
So I started developing about 2 weeks ago, Ive done about 3 test rolls, adjusted times, I'm ready for a "real" roll, I think I have the times and technique down. Ive been filling my patterson tank right over the reel, with an empty reel on top so it dosent bounce.
Im developing, a little excited because I think I got some really good shots on this one.. I dont see the purple fix when I pour it out, not sure, who knows...??
I finish, pull open the tank, hm..
I put the reel with the film on top...!!!!!!
I got some corners developed...🙂
laughed some, almost cried. o well. Live and learn.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

You need to fill the tank all the way, even if you use only one reel. leaving that much air space can cause streaking and spotting even if you do have the reel with the film in the proper place at the bottom. Patterson tanks require 20oz of chemicals for a 2 reels tank, if I remember correctly.

 

[finguanzo]

Yes, I guess thats what Ill do from now on..
I wasent inverting the tank, I was using the little spinner that comes with the patterson tank, my results were good, thats why I figured more liquid would not be needed since it was always under the liquid.. I had tried both ways, and they had given me the same results..

 

[finguanzo]

Is there anyone who uses the "twirl" stick in Paterson tanks instead of inversions? Is there a difference, or should they give the same result?

 

[marcr1230]

I never use the twirl stick
What I want is a Jobo tank (500ml for 2 rolls 35mm) with the Patterson reels

 

[payasam]

In 1974 I bought a Paterson Universal tank. The instructions that came with it were precise and sufficient.

 

[venchka]

Put 2 reels on the spindle and put that in the tank. Lid off. Fill the tank with plain water. Cover the top reel. Add some more. Pour the water into something you can measure with. 800ml as I recall. Plenty fluid to cover the film. A bit of empty space to give good agitation.

Check your loading. Check again. Check your checking. Then develop.

Good luck.

While Paterson lists liquid capacities on the bottom of the tanks, adding a little extra liquid can not possibly hurt.

 

[Ronald M]

I use one film in a two reel Nikor tank with only developer covering the bottom reel with film all the time. This is the most perfect agitation I have ever done. Two inversions in 5 sec.

 

[venchka]

You lead a perfect life.

 

[payasam]

Sage advice. Never forget to check whether you have checked.

 

[gb hill]

The bottom of the tank usually tells how much liquid to use when developing one & two rolls of film in a two reel tank. You don't want to use too much liquid when developing a single roll or you won't get sufficient agitation. I like to here it slosh around a bit when I do my inversions. I never use the twirl stick but I do leave it in the tank during development.

 

[nikon_sam]

Paterson tank show 290ml for a single roll/reel of 35mm film...I normally mix for 300ml...
For 120 they say 500ml per roll/reel...I've gone by the numbers they have given and have been very happy with the results...
Until recently I was a twirler now (thanks to you RFFers) I invert to agitate...been happy with those results too...